EVE: A Short Unforgettable Love Story

Chapter Ten

Isabella Madden POV

It’s been a week and I didn’t hear anything from Kellan- it feels completely new. It made me feel anxious because I know him. He couldn’t even spend an entire day without seeing me. For the last couple of days, I’ve been pacing back and forth on my room-wondering what’s going on? Maybe he’s busy? Maybe something happened? Maybe he’s not, okay? Shaking, I grabbed my bicycle and drove to his house.

When I met his mom, we exchanged the same question, and we both don’t know the answer. She told me, she was about to meet me and asked where Kellan is. She told me, she searched for him everywhere and she felt completely distressed about his son, especially after he had a fight with his dad. That got me. I know how much he despises his father. He’s the only reason why he left.

Mrs. Porter told me everything that happened that night. And I finally understand everything. It made me more worried about him. It made me upset to think, how foolish and selfish he could be just so he could protect the people that he loves, even if it cost his safety. But it also made me wept to think he’s alone and probably scared. I know the only place where he could stay is at Mr. Gibson, so, I instantly drove there.

I knocked on the door probably a few times before Mr. Gibson opened it. “Isabella?” he spoke. The moment I heard his response, I knew I was right, Kellan’s here. Mr. Gibson never call my first name right. He always calls me Isabel.

“I know Kellan’s here, Mr. Gibson.” I spoke. He kept stuttering random words I didn’t even understand and he couldn’t meet my eyes. That’s how Mr. Gibson is when he’s trying to lie. I ignored him, and spoke. “Kellan, I know you’re here, and I know you’re scared. I know you left to protect me, and your mom. But I am here, you’re not alone. We can get through this together, Kellan. Just come home with me.” A long moment passed before I heard footsteps approaching our direction. It was Kellan. The first thing that I noticed when he walked out of the dark is the bruise in his left eye. It instantly pulls my heartstrings and made my heart tender. I just wanted to cling on his arms and hugged him tightly. “You two should talk.” Mr. Gibson said before he left us.

At the porch, I kept staring on his bruise, while he couldn’t meet my eyes. “Your mother is ill concerned about you.” He didn’t respond. I sighed. “Kellan, I know you’re trying to protect us, but I can help you.”

“No. You don’t know my father, Isabella.”

“I don’t know him, but I know you. I know how strong you are, Kellan. Your mother needs you. I need you. So, comeback home with me.” For a moment I thought he had broken his walls. But then, he snapped. “This isn’t just a mere kid stuff, Isabella. This is the only way to protect the both of you. So, it’s better if you leave and forget me.” He left me unable to speak. He pushed me many times- I’m used to that. But today was the very first time that I heard him yelled at me. It breaks my heart, but I’m still worried about him. My eyes started to get wet from approaching tears. I watched him as he stood and left me alone on the porch. I took heavy breathes as I wiped my silent tears, then I left.

I went at the police station to ask help from my Uncle Sheriff who’s currently in a meeting. Until, my sight catches a familiar face stamped on the wanted list board. It was Kellan’s father a person of interest for d**g trafficking. I should’ve felt at ease that I have more valid reason to report Mr. Porter. But then, I thought of Kellan’s mom. I know how she loves Kellan’s father. I know she will be devastated if ever his father gets arrested.

Before Uncle Sheriff meet me, I was gone. I left, went home and get my father’s credit card which he gave to me, and cashed out the money which he saved for my college fees at a nearby bank. I asked everywhere about his father, and his old acquaintance gave me his number. I called him at the local diner where Kellan and I usually went to, and asked Mr. Porter to meet me at the old Danville Bridge exactly eight noon. I didn’t feel hysterical to do all those. All I could think of is helping Kellan. I don’t care what happens after. I don’t care if my father would get furious at me for using the money. I don’t care if my parents would hate me. I don’t care. I just want this to end, so Kellan could get home with me.

I waited for Mr. Porter at the old bridge holding a bag of cash. My skin shivers not from the cold but from feeling horrified of being alone on this quiet, dark empty old bridge-and the fact that I am meeting a wanted person. But still, I stayed firm and composed. It’s already eight-thirty when I saw a man in a black hood slowly approaching me. He stopped a meter away from me. “Mr. Porter?” I asked. “Where’s the money?” He responded. “Here.” I spoke. He was about to grab it, when I pulled it back. I gathered immense breath before I spoke. “But first, promised me you’ll leave Kellan and his mother alone. You will leave this town. And you will never return. If you don’t, I’ll report you to the police. I know you’re a wanted criminal, Mr. porter.” I spoke so confident yet deep inside my organs were trembling from fear. He agreed. I was about to give the bag to him. When suddenly, Kellan appeared without warning.

” Isabella. Stop!” He screamed, as he ran forwards. “How did you know I’m here?” I asked. “The owner of the local diner heard you talking with my father.” He said and instantly put his attention on his father. “Dad, please. Don’t do this. We can talk this out. I can help you. Just not like this.” He said, pleading. “It’s too late son. They will come and kill me if I didn’t give them that money.” That response answers everything. Why he was doing this. Why he kept extorting money from his family. Suddenly, a siren sound and a red lightbars emerged in the darkness. Mr. Porter instantly looks hysterical, as he forcefully grabbed the bag from me. He ran instantly when he got it. Kellan act alertly and pounced on to stopped his father from escaping. I was left frozen. I didn’t know what to do. Until I heard my parents screaming my name as the police car halted. “Mr. Porter you are under arrest!” Uncle Sheriff shouted as he pointed his g*n and walks firmly towards us. “Mom!” I ran to her the moment I saw her. I couldn’t stop myself from taking heavy breathes as my mom embraced me on her chest.

Mr. Porter was arrested. When I looked back, I saw them arresting Kellan too. “Wait!” I shouted. But then, dad pulled my arms and stopped me. His eyes furious, and his grip is so tight. “Dad, he wasn’t doing anything. He’s innocent. please don’t make them arrest him.” I pleaded as tears kept streaming down my face. I pulled my arms from my dad so hard that it hurts, but I didn’t mind it as I ran frantically towards Kellan and squeezed my arms on to him. Uncle Sheriff wasn’t expecting it. “Please Uncle. He didn’t know anything. It was all me. I called Mr. Porter and asked him to meet me. I swear! He wasn’t part of this.” I’m barely keeping my voice steady.

“It’s okay, Isabella. I’ll be okay.” Kellan spoke as he removed my arms around him. Dad cuts off, his face tight, completely frustrated. “Don’t make this harder Isabella.” He ranted as he pulled me back. When I heard him speak like that, I usually get scared, but this time I wasn’t. All I felt is this agitating concerned for Kellan. “Dad, please. Listen to me.” I begged with tears in my eyes.

Mom intervened at that moment.” Honey, we can talk this out at home.” she spoke as she persuades my dad and removed his grip at mine, but my dad was never swayed. His jaw tightens, and I can see the conflict warring in his eyes, then he burst out. “Why do you keep defending that boy!”

I cried; my voice spoke louder. “Because I love him, dad. I love him.” That words made my father dumbfounded and furious at the same time. He removed his grip and gaze intensely at me. “You’re grounded.” His voice is low and dangerous. Then, he turns away. “Talk to him in the morning Isabella. Maybe you can change his mind.” Mom said before he followed dad. And before I followed them, I glanced back at Kellan. His hands locked up in a handcuff. He smiled, fixed; his eyes dimmed. It made me more weep to see that smile. I know that smile. He’s trying hard to tell me he’s going to be okay, but I know he’s lying.